Tucunare (Cichla ocellaris)
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Introduced into Hawaii from British Guiana in 1957.
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Food: The diet is restricted almost exclusively to small fish, principally
threadfin shad, tilapias, bluegill, and mosquito fish.
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Life History: Spawning in Hawaii occurs from April to September. when water temperature reaches 80 F or higher. The eggs are laid on a rock, or other hard substrate in shallow water and are guarded by one or both parents. hatching takes place within four days, and the parents continue to guard the young until the juveniles are about five inches in length. An average of 5,000 eggs is placed in each nest, but much less than 1% of these survive to adulthood. Tucunare mature at 12 to 13 inches, and they reach this size within one year. Since the presence of at least one parent is mandatory throughout the incubation period for egg survival, sportsmen are urged to avoid taking the actively spawning fish.* These (spawning peacock bass) are often visible near shore and will either not take flight when approached or will return shortly thereafter.
* (Note: this was written before peacock bass were made "Catch & Release" only)
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Habitat: The Tucumcari is found in the larger, warm water reservoirs in the State. The fish become inactive below 70 F, and totally mortality of young occurs at 60 F.